The Presidential Initiative for Skilling the Girl and Boy Child (PISGBC) successfully hosted its annual Sports Gala, bringing together trainees from various skilling centres across Kampala for a day of competition, camaraderie, and patriotism. Held at the prestigious Makerere University Grounds, the event underscored the importance of sports in promoting teamwork, leadership, and personal development alongside vocational training.
The PISGBC initiative is dedicated to equipping young Ugandans with practical skills to enhance self-reliance and economic transformation. In addition to technical training, the initiative integrates co-curricular activities such as sports and patriotism training to instill discipline and a strong work ethic among trainees. The annual Sports Gala serves as a platform for trainees to showcase their athletic abilities, develop resilience, and foster national unity.
Ahead of the competitions, all participating trainees underwent rigorous Patriotism Training, aimed at reinforcing national values, leadership skills, discipline, and civic responsibility. The training sessions were designed to instill a sense of duty and service among the youth, preparing them not just for the Sports Gala but also for their future roles as responsible citizens and skilled professionals.
The highly anticipated Sports Gala featured an array of disciplines, including football and netball,. Each competition was aggressively contested, with participants demonstrating exceptional talent and sportsmanship.
One of the highlights of the event was the football tournament, where Wabigalo Centre once again proved its dominance by retaining the championship trophy. The defending champions showcased outstanding teamwork, skill, and determination, cementing their reputation as the team to beat.
Other centres, including Wandegeya, Mulago, Mutundwe, Kikoni, Kigowa, Nakulabye, Subway, and Luzira, also put up remarkable performances across various sporting disciplines. In netball, teams displayed impressive coordination and strategy, with each match drawing enthusiastic support from spectators.
The Sports Gala attracted a host of esteemed guests, highlighting the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through skilling and holistic development. Notable figures in attendance included Ms. Aminah Lukanga and Dr. Faith Katana, the Head of PISGBC, Staff and management of PISGB, alongside other government officials, trainers, instructors, and local leaders. Their presence underscored the significance of the initiative in nurturing Uganda’s next generation of skilled and disciplined citizens.
The PISGBC Sports Gala is more than just an annual competition; it is a movement that shapes character, strengthens social bonds, and cultivates a culture of excellence among young Ugandans. By integrating sports into the skilling program, the initiative ensures that trainees develop not only technical expertise but also resilience, teamwork, and leadership abilities that are essential for both personal and national growth.
Beyond the competitions, the gala fosters friendships and networking opportunities among trainees from different centres, encouraging collaboration and mutual support in their vocational pursuits. The event also serves as a talent identification platform, where promising athletes can be scouted and supported to advance in professional sports.
As the initiative continues to grow, plans are underway to expand the scope of the Sports Gala, including introducing more disciplines and increasing participation. The overwhelming enthusiasm and competitive spirit witnessed at this year’s event reaffirm the vital role of sports in youth development and national transformation.
The success of the 2024 PISGBC Sports Gala marks yet another milestone in the government’s efforts to empower Uganda’s youth. With sports playing a crucial role in nation-building, the initiative remains committed to providing holistic training that produces skilled, disciplined, and patriotic citizens.
As Wabigalo Centre celebrates its hard-earned football victory, and other centres reflect on their performances, one thing remains certain—through initiatives like the PISGBC Sports Gala, Uganda is fostering a generation that is not only skilled in trade but also resilient, united, and ready to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
